BASIC FEATURES OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country. It lays down the foundation for political principles, establishes the structure, procedure, powers and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and duties of citizens.

The Constitution of India was adopted on 26^th November 1949 and came into effect on 26^th January 1950. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.  

Salient features:

Longest constitution – The Constitution of India is the longest constitution in the world with 24 parts and 444 articles.

Written constitution – Our Constitution is a written constitution.

Universal Franchise – Every citizen above the age of 18 years is eligible to vote in the general elections. This is the most revolutionary aspects of the Indian democracy.

Secularism – India is a secular state while we have a number of religions that are practiced, every individual has right to practice the religion of his/her choice. There is no state religion.

Single citizenship – An Indian is a citizen of India only. Single citizenship promotes national unity and national integration.

Fundamental duties – are assigned to citizens

Welfare state – Our country provides for development of weaker and depressed sections of society especially Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, Disabled and senior citizens.

Democratic System – Being a democracy everyone over the age of 18 has the right to vote. The Center, State and Local Self-Governing bodies follow democratic principles. All elections from Gram Panchayat to Parliament are held democratically.

Independent and Integrated Judiciary – In India, the Judiciary is independent and impartial. We have an integrated judiciary with the Supreme Court at the top of the hierarchy. This is followed by the High Court and Lower Courts. The Supreme Court and the High Court have the power to give punishment for any act against the provisions of the Constitution.

Parliamentary form of government – is followed both at the Center and State Levels. There are two houses the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The majority party in the Lok Sabha forms the Government.

Partly rigid and partly flexible – Rigidity and Flexibility are balanced within the Constitution of India. Certain provisions cannot be amended while certain provisions are amended over time. These amendments require a special majority in both houses of parliament.

Directive Principles of State Policy – are instructions from the Constitution to the State and Government. It is the duty of the government to implement them.

Fundamental Rights – are guaranteed to every citizen. There rights are basic to the moral and spiritual development of the individual. The six fundamental rights are Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights and Right to Constitutional Remedies.